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The 10 commandments



 
 
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  #11  
Old May 24th 13, 06:42 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
thirty-six
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Posts: 10,049
Default The 10 commandments

On May 24, 3:21*am, James wrote:
What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?


I don't. I take them to a public park and see that they are able to
ride a straight line, are able to get on and move off and stop and get
off without falling or otherwise losing control. Once I am satisfied
they can do these things (adjusting position to enable, if required) i
let them just ride without interruption for 1/2 hour. Lesson two is
checking over their shoulder while riding a steady line, I just hang
back and say I can't hear when they are speaking and they turn their
heads typically without much disturbance of control. Asking them to
look back typically brings fear to their minds and they are unable to
then keep control. You can't just give a checklist, it's not
appropriate as there is typically no understanding whatsoever, and the
inability to make accurate control has a greater bearing on their
survival than any specific instruction of public road use. Novices
should not ride during busy times or at night on public roads.
Guidance on road positioning may not be needed and if things are going
well, it is best not to interupt. We learn more by doing than by
being told what to do. Correction should rarely be necessary for an
attentive student.

E.g.

1/ Thou shalt obey the road rules.

2/ Thou shalt ride as far left/right as practicable does not mean on the
edge, but more like 0.5 to 1m from it, probably in the left [right for
US, etc.] wheel tracks.


The true novice does not take up a kerb hugging position unless he/she
has been told otherwise. This is one of those things which is best
left unsaid in early rides as the will of the person is stronger when
they have an example to follow.


3/ Thou shalt prepare for other road users who might fail to give way.


Again, too much to think about, best left unsaid.


4/ Thou shalt have lights for riding in foul weather, poor light and
after sunset.


Nope, not appropriate conditions for a novice rider.


5/ Thou shalt look behind and possibly indicate before moving further in
to the road, for example to move around an obstacle or to turn right [left].


Not really a commandment is it?

6/ Thou shalt practice emergency stops in a safe place, and be ready to
employ if needs be.


I'd rather they kept their speed down and ride in places where
motorised traffic is sparse and slow.


7/ Thou shalt brake most effectively while traveling in a straight line.
*Braking while cornering, especially in the wet is to be minimised or
not at all.


That's bull**** and may lead to unnecessary injury.

etc.

I'm considering what might be a useful sheet of info for anyone who buys
a bike (or helmet in this country).

Suggestions welcome.

--
JS


Ads
  #12  
Old May 24th 13, 06:48 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
thirty-six
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Posts: 10,049
Default The 10 commandments

On May 24, 5:06*am, Dan O wrote:
On May 23, 7:21*pm, James wrote:









What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?


E.g.


1/ Thou shalt obey the road rules.


2/ Thou shalt ride as far left/right as practicable does not mean on the
edge, but more like 0.5 to 1m from it, probably in the left [right for
US, etc.] wheel tracks.


3/ Thou shalt prepare for other road users who might fail to give way.


4/ Thou shalt have lights for riding in foul weather, poor light and
after sunset.


5/ Thou shalt look behind and possibly indicate before moving further in
to the road, for example to move around an obstacle or to turn right [left].


6/ Thou shalt practice emergency stops in a safe place, and be ready to
employ if needs be.


7/ Thou shalt brake most effectively while traveling in a straight line..
*Braking while cornering, especially in the wet is to be minimised or
not at all.


etc.


I'm considering what might be a useful sheet of info for anyone who buys
a bike (or helmet in this country).


Suggestions welcome.


Thou shalt think for thyself, be responsible for thine own actions,
and considerate of thine fellow creatures.

Other than that, Ride Bike!


Good, and
Avoid getting killed at all costs. This may mean not riding bike at
some times in some places.

Don't ride beyond your ability.

Avoid falling off.

Avoid riding into other people or their property.

  #13  
Old May 24th 13, 06:52 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
James[_8_]
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Posts: 6,153
Default The 10 commandments

On 24/05/13 15:34, Dan O wrote:
On May 23, 7:21 pm, James wrote:
What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?


snip


etc.

I'm considering what might be a useful sheet of info for anyone who buys
a bike (or helmet in this country).

Suggestions welcome.


I would emphasize situational awareness. I think more important than
being predictable (whatever that is in any given circumstances) is
being able to predict, and knowing the limitations of same.

As for someone buying a helmet, I would advise them not to count on it
to save them, then loop back to #1 above.

Also, thou shalt take very good care of thine bike, and thine bike
will take comensurate good care of thou.


I like that.

--
JS
  #14  
Old May 24th 13, 07:34 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
T0m $herman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 612
Default The 10 commandments

On 5/23/2013 9:21 PM, James wrote:
What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?

[...]
Suggestions welcome.

Thou shall read: http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html.

--
T0m $herm@n
  #15  
Old May 24th 13, 11:51 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Duane Hebert
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Posts: 628
Default The 10 commandments

On 5/23/2013 10:21 PM, James wrote:
What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?

E.g.

1/ Thou shalt obey the road rules.

2/ Thou shalt ride as far left/right as practicable does not mean on the
edge, but more like 0.5 to 1m from it, probably in the left [right for
US, etc.] wheel tracks.

3/ Thou shalt prepare for other road users who might fail to give way.

4/ Thou shalt have lights for riding in foul weather, poor light and
after sunset.

5/ Thou shalt look behind and possibly indicate before moving further in
to the road, for example to move around an obstacle or to turn right [left].

6/ Thou shalt practice emergency stops in a safe place, and be ready to
employ if needs be.

7/ Thou shalt brake most effectively while traveling in a straight line.
Braking while cornering, especially in the wet is to be minimised or
not at all.

etc.

I'm considering what might be a useful sheet of info for anyone who buys
a bike (or helmet in this country).

Suggestions welcome.


Signal your intentions to drivers and other riders.
Make eye contact when taking your right of way.
Don't pass another bike on the right.
Expect the other guy to do the wrong thing.
  #16  
Old May 24th 13, 03:29 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Dan O
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Posts: 6,098
Default The 10 commandments

On May 23, 10:35 pm, James wrote:
On 24/05/13 15:15, Dan O wrote:



On May 23, 9:32 pm, Ralph Barone wrote:
Dan O wrote:
On May 23, 8:46 pm, Ralph Barone wrote:
James wrote:
What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?



snip


Suggestions welcome.


Be predictable, visible and legal (in that order).


Does "legal" not pretty much take care of "predictable"? And that
invisible thing... well, I've been working on it in the lab *forever*
and can't even seem to get close.


Well, when driving, I tend to drive the speed of surrounding traffic, even
if they're speeding. That would be an example of predictable over legal.
As far as invisibility goes, you can come damn close if you want. Enter an
intersection beside a car, rather than between them. Wear dark clothes at
night and have no lights or reflectors. Come hurtling out of driveways onto
the road.


I get it. Sorry. It was all good advice. Sorry. (So sorry... )


It's just that being predictable means doing what other people expect
of me, right? It's okay (and essential) to a point. But a *rule*?
Rule #1? Blech! What a way to live.


The idea behind being predictable is to give others the best opportunity
to coexist in harmony.


Being predictable means acting *only* within the range of expected
actions. I have zero control over others expectations (other than
setting them by example).

And "best"? Now we're talking about staying not only in their *range*
of expectations (I fully expected the driver of a passing SUV to chop
me off the other day - could just sense the aggresive expression
coming on), now we're talking about doing what they think *most*
likely. Why not just let the Central Scrutinizer program and
prescribe all actions in advance. Sound like Brave New World or 1984?

While you're on the road with traffic, would you argue against be
predictable as a general rule?


I said being predictable is essential - to a point; *somewhat*
predictable.

Of course, if you leave the road and others don't have to accommodate
your being where ever you are, you can do pretty much whatever you like
I guess.


There you go. But can't I *use* the road, too, and pull squirrely
**** as long as I don't create a situation that requires
accommodation?

The problem is drivers see me doing something that they disapprove -
from a distance that has no practical effect on their situation, but
it makes them nervous because suddenly they are dealing with something
that isn't what they consider well behaved (and/or they resent my
freedom to do it and joyful exuberance doing it).

Being visible, sure - but you really mean consciously *extra*
conspicuous. That's fine on a case-by-case as needed basis; but do I
need to, like, say to myself, "Self, you can't wear that nice,
comfortable, smart-looking shirt that you like so much - unless you
put this dayglo vest on over it... because the onus is on you to be
'visible'." - What kind of way to live is that? (And where do you
draw the line? Is it up there around the full road crew PPE and
Christmas lights array? Is the slope even more slippery than that?
Can't I just anticipate that some drivers aren't as attentive as they
ought and be prepared to stay out of their autopilot subsystem's
crosshairs? If I wear the dayglo-striped vest can I then merrily
pedal along and don't worry about it?)


There is balance and moderation in almost all things. Visibility is one.


I thought I alluded to that in the case-by-case as needed; but at what
point is enough enough (just like predictability. If the onus is on
me to be *optimally* visible (and predictable), every once of life is
sucked out of the activity and all that's left is how (nearly)
perfectly can I follow the "rules".

And legal... well, you just admitted to breaking your own *third*
commandment - in a high-powered, lethal-inertia vehicle.



Legal to me is about the spirit and intent of the law - a basis for
social interaction - and about reasonableness in prosecution.

Our Consitution - the basis of our system of laws - begins with "...
and the pursuit of happiness."

Again, sorry - I'm workin' on it :-)


Keeping up with the flow of traffic is almost defensible.


Unless you're a dyed-in-the-wool racer - in which case you have to do
even better than just "keeping up" :-)
  #17  
Old May 24th 13, 03:30 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Dan O
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6,098
Default The 10 commandments

On May 23, 11:34 pm, "T0m $herman"
wrote:
On 5/23/2013 9:21 PM, James wrote: What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?


[...]
Suggestions welcome.


Thou shall read: http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html.


Excellent.


  #18  
Old May 24th 13, 03:35 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Dan O
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6,098
Default The 10 commandments

On May 24, 3:51 am, Duane Hébert wrote:
On 5/23/2013 10:21 PM, James wrote:



What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?


E.g.


1/ Thou shalt obey the road rules.


2/ Thou shalt ride as far left/right as practicable does not mean on the
edge, but more like 0.5 to 1m from it, probably in the left [right for
US, etc.] wheel tracks.


3/ Thou shalt prepare for other road users who might fail to give way.


4/ Thou shalt have lights for riding in foul weather, poor light and
after sunset.


5/ Thou shalt look behind and possibly indicate before moving further in
to the road, for example to move around an obstacle or to turn right [left].


6/ Thou shalt practice emergency stops in a safe place, and be ready to
employ if needs be.


7/ Thou shalt brake most effectively while traveling in a straight line..
Braking while cornering, especially in the wet is to be minimised or
not at all.


etc.


I'm considering what might be a useful sheet of info for anyone who buys
a bike (or helmet in this country).


Suggestions welcome.


Signal your intentions to drivers and other riders.


We all send signals all the time (can't not communicate). Question
is, how perceptive is the receiver? How far and how clear must I be
in communicating my intention - especially if they will have no
practical impact requiring any cooperation.

Make eye contact when taking your right of way.


Takes two to make eye contact. Of course I always try - not just when
takign right of way, but when "negotiating" any social interaction
(ala Hans Monderman).

Don't pass another bike on the right.


Not even if I leave the orad to do it?

Expect the other guy to do the wrong thing.


Won't that screw me up if he does the right thing? How about I just
expect anything... and nothing.


  #19  
Old May 24th 13, 03:51 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Duane[_3_]
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Posts: 1,900
Default The 10 commandments

On 5/24/2013 10:35 AM, Dan O wrote:
On May 24, 3:51 am, Duane wrote:
On 5/23/2013 10:21 PM, James wrote:



What commandments/rules would you offer to a novice who's just bought a
bike, to help them survive biking, particularly in the (sub)urban roads
landscape?


E.g.


1/ Thou shalt obey the road rules.


2/ Thou shalt ride as far left/right as practicable does not mean on the
edge, but more like 0.5 to 1m from it, probably in the left [right for
US, etc.] wheel tracks.


3/ Thou shalt prepare for other road users who might fail to give way.


4/ Thou shalt have lights for riding in foul weather, poor light and
after sunset.


5/ Thou shalt look behind and possibly indicate before moving further in
to the road, for example to move around an obstacle or to turn right [left].


6/ Thou shalt practice emergency stops in a safe place, and be ready to
employ if needs be.


7/ Thou shalt brake most effectively while traveling in a straight line.
Braking while cornering, especially in the wet is to be minimised or
not at all.


etc.


I'm considering what might be a useful sheet of info for anyone who buys
a bike (or helmet in this country).


Suggestions welcome.


Signal your intentions to drivers and other riders.


We all send signals all the time (can't not communicate). Question
is, how perceptive is the receiver? How far and how clear must I be
in communicating my intention - especially if they will have no
practical impact requiring any cooperation.


Well James was asking for suggestions to impart to someone buying a
bike. We have a set of suggestions that we give to new members of our
cycling club, some of which he's already included. I thought I'd add a
few more.

I see riders pulling in front of cars and other bikes without
signalling. I see them stopping in front me in my car or my bike
without signalling. Same for turns, slowing whatever. Or do you have
some other form of communication in mind? g


Make eye contact when taking your right of way.


Takes two to make eye contact. Of course I always try - not just when
takign right of way, but when "negotiating" any social interaction
(ala Hans Monderman).


I mean for example that when you come to a stop the same time the other
guy you make sure that they see you before taking off, even if you have
the right of way. I know this restricts your freedom somewhat but I've
seen a lot of people get into trouble because the driver wasn't looking
for them. Better to let the idiot go in that case.

Don't pass another bike on the right.


Not even if I leave the orad to do it?

We're talking road use. If you mean that you will jump on the sidewalk
to pass me, I don't care as long as you don't dump back in front of me
without signalling. Or the cop doesn't hit me when he's chasing you
down. lol


Expect the other guy to do the wrong thing.


Won't that screw me up if he does the right thing? How about I just
expect anything... and nothing.


VC (again, notice the caps) doctrine is to "control the lane", I mean
expect the driver to not be controlled. You're rewording amounts to the
same thing, I think.

Lol, I know you don't like rules man but I don't think James is
intending you as a potential user of his commandments here.
  #20  
Old May 24th 13, 04:45 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Andre Jute[_2_]
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Posts: 10,422
Default The 10 commandments

On Friday, May 24, 2013 11:51:01 AM UTC+1, Duane Hébert wrote:

Make eye contact when taking your right of way.


ANECDOTE WARNING

I go to the optician to have my eyes tested and new spectacles made. I normally get several sets made for different purposes, photochromatics for working at my computer in a room suffused with light day and night, yellow shooter's tints for riding at night, orange tints for most other outdoor purposes in daytime, polarizing for the few really bright sunny days of the year, untinted for social occasions when I want to give my dinner partner or business associates the full benefit of my magnetic personality. (Don't mess with Andre when he's wearing his clear specs. Especially if he has stopped smiling.)

This optician, too overweight to fit on a bike, says she will make me a pair of cycling glasses like I never had before. They turn out to be enormously expensive, even by her ripoff standards. They're wonderful all right. I can see the goddamn mountains thirty miles away and make out the ridge in which I once helped to rescue some stupid climbers who went out without proper gear or training. What I can't see, is the road any closer than twenty yards to me. Big deal. On those huge Big Apple tyres I just ride through whatever is on the road.

But what I really missed, and understood for the first time how important it is to me as a cyclist, was making eye contact with drivers from two feet to about thirty feet away, so that they could consciously register my presence as a human in motion. I hadn't thought until then on how much that helps in traffic.

And no, I don't have any problem with people avoiding eye contact. People here are generally friendly, and have no reason to fear strangers. The few idiots are soon straightened out. Anyway, someone deliberately avoiding eye contact should act as a warning to a cyclist to either not do what he was planning or to take extra care. I read refusal to make eye contact as hostile intent, and act accordingly.

I took the spectacles back after a single trial ride, refused to pay, demanded a new pair with my old, workable, prescription, and after that went to an optician who cycles with his kids, where I've been very happy. He also turns out to be half the price of the other one, who's now out of business.

Andre Jute
 




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